Rueben's Ramblings

As any avid reader of classic literature will tell you, Jane Austen is the Holy Grail – especially to women (and even some men although I’m sure they wouldn’t proclaim it as loudly as the millions of female readers do on a regular basis).

Being a relatively new Jane Austen convert – I was a little behind the ball compared to many, but I came around quickly – her novels are a beautiful work of fiction that have been immortalized not only in their original book form but also in countless films, telling and retelling the story of the vivid characters for which she created.

Even after several centuries her published works inspire people all over the globe many of whom have sought fit to pay tribute – in their own – by writing books that are variations on the original stories or developing their own stories based on characters from Jane Austen’s world or, in some instances, inspired the legendary writer herself.

In light of the countless authors who have paid homage to Jane Austen’s world, I am starting a series of articles about them so the connoisseurs of her writing can enjoy the multitude of wonderful stories that have evolved.

The modern-day writers featured below, appearing in alphabetical order, have each written one book either inspired by Austen’s characters or based on the author herself:

First Impressions: Alexa Adams

ALEXA ADAMS
“First Impressions: A Tale of Less Pride & Prejudice”
Released on March 30, 2010

This book explores how the events of Jane Austen’s beloved novel (Pride & Prejudice) would have transpired if Darcy and Elizabeth had danced together at the Meryton Assembly. Jane and Bingley’s relationship blossoms unimpeded, Mary makes a most fortunate match, and Lydia never sets a foot in Brighton.

Expectations: Samantha Jayne Adkins

SAMANTHA JAYNE ADKINS
“Expectations: A Continuation of Pride & Prejudice”
Released on October 5, 2010

This book is a sequel to the timeless romance of Pride & Prejudice. Many have wondered if Darcy and Elizabeth would find a way to a happily ever after with a traditional family as well. The answer here comes in an unexpected way, along a circuitous route that leaves the reader guessing… and turning pages. The book begins six months after Pride and Prejudice ends, as a newly married woman, Elizabeth Darcy, agrees to throw her first ball as mistress of a large and prosperous household. At the same time, she receives a letter from her father encouraging her to produce an heir for her husband, welcomes several visitors to her home and tries to mend broken family relationships via letter. Georgiana Darcy remains unmarried, but feels the pressure to find a suitable mate. Georgiana fights off several marriage proposals while she tries not to fall in love with an old friend.

Trials of Honorable F Darcy: Sara Angelini

SARA ANGELINI
“The Trials of the Honorable F. Darcy”
Released on October 1, 2009

Judge Fitzwilliam Darcy, a legal expert on both sides of the Atlantic, is ready to hang up his black robe and return to the life of a country gentleman until he meets Elizabeth Bennet, a fresh-faced attorney with a hectic schedule and no time for the sexy but haughty judge. Tempers and sparks fly in Judge Darcy’s courtroom and outside, in a series of chance encounters that give each of them pause, as the two match wits and try to fight their overwhelming attraction. When they meet up in England at an international law conference, they embark on a hot, heavy affair. Back in the States, though, ethical considerations intrude, and each is subjected to a torturous period of soul-searching before they can find their way back to each other.

A Little Bit Psychic: Aimee Avery

AIMEE AVERY
“A Little Bit Psychic” (Pride & Prejudice with a modern twist)
Released on April 24, 2009

If Jane Austen lived in the 21st Century, who knows how Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet would overcome their false impressions, mistaken pride and unfounded prejudices. Here is a possible answer. This book takes a humorous journey with post-graduate student Elizabeth Bennet as she travels to London to study for her PhD. Will her strange dreams of princesses and knights hold her back or will being just “A Little Bit Psychic” aid her in discovering that William Darcy is the love of her life?

Pemberley Shades: D.A. Bonavia-Hunt

DOROTHEA (D.A.) BONAVIA-HUNT
“Pemberley Shades”
Released on September 1, 2008

Originally published in 1949, the unusual plot takes the Darcys into the realm of the Gothic. Mr. Darcy must appoint a new rector at Pemberley, which affords the author the opportunity to introduce a host of new characters to mingle with the beloved and familiar ones of Jane Austen. A delightfully witty plot, full of surprises:-Who could have foretold that Dr. Robinson, who had done nothing of note in all his lifetime should, by the common and natural act of dying, set in motion a train of events so strange, so startling, so far removed from probability as to emulate the riotous fancies of a disordered mind?

What Would Jane Austen Do?: Laurie Brown

LAURIE BROWN
“What Would Jane Austen Do”
Released on May 5, 2009

Modern-day Regency fashion expert Eleanor Pottinger consorts with ghosts and travels in time when she discovers her hotel room is haunted by sisters Mina and Deirdre Cracklebury, and she agrees to a deal: she will save their brother, Teddy, from a deadly duel by keeping the wicked Lord Shermont from seducing one of the sisters, in trade for meeting Jane Austen. Eleanor wakes up in 1814, meets smarmy Teddy and is instantly attracted to Lord Shermont, who is not all he seems.

Pemberley Ranch: Jack Caldwell

JACK CALDWELL
“Pemberley Ranch”
Released on December 1, 2010

This book reimagines Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice as a heart-pounding western romance. The Civil War is over, but the scars remain. The Bennets leave the family farm in Ohio and move to the plains of Texas. Beth loves the open land, but clings to her Union loyalties. When she meets Confederate officer Will Darcy, the reclusive owner of neighboring Pemberley Ranch, she declares him arrogant. George Whitehead, a decorated Union officer, reinforces her opinions with his lies and insinuations. Over time, Beth re-evaluates her opinions and learns some hard truths about the Civil War.

Twilight of the Abyss: Casey Childers

CASEY CHILDERS
“Twilight of the Abyss”
Released on April 5, 2010

When Elizabeth and Darcy meet in Hertfordshire, insults are avoided and they fall in love together. However, when Darcy’s family experiences a scandal, he is forced to choose between love and honor. This Pride and Prejudice variation explores an alternative path for Jane Austen’s beloved novel.

Mr. Darcy Takes the Plunge: J. Marie Croft

J. MARIE CROFT
“Mr. Darcy Takes the Plunge”
Released on November 1, 2010

A pun-filled tale featuring Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice characters with some added or addled, missing or missish, modified or mortified, healthier, wealthier, or wiser. Impeccable comportment is mandatory in Regency England, a society governed by strict rules of conduct. The immaculate image of perfectionist Fitzwilliam Darcy is somewhat tarnished when he and his traveling companions arrive, hot and sweaty, at Pemberley and decide to take a fateful plunge into a scummy pond. An embarrassing encounter on the estate’s lawn leaves a long-lasting impression on Jane and Elizabeth Bennet, who are new acquaintances of Georgiana and Anna Darcy. With both families in London for the Little Season, Darcy finds himself thrown again into the path of perky Elizabeth Bennet, but a handsome army officer just might blockade further advances.

More lists coming soon…